Dwarven Defender... 7th level class?

[The Souljourner]

Oh crap, I totally forgot about the dex requirement on dodge. Damn. Ok, I guess I'll have to rework things a little.

I've done the cleric thing. They're good, definitely would work well as a DD, but like you said, it's not what I'm going for. In fact, I'm thinking of playing the character as if he doesn't even realize he's a paladin.

"Me a paladin? Fah! If never being sick or afraid were all it took, every dwarf would be a paladin."

Man, is this guy going to be fun to play

I plan on taking Iron Will, because there are a ton of Will based "instant kill" spells, like hold person and confusion. Reflex saves are nice to have, but reflex is almost entirely for avoiding damage, and pure damage is one thing this type of character doesn't need to worry too much about.

Other feats I'll be taking - blind fight, close quarters combat, and maybe Remain Conscious. The actual effect isn't that great, but the image of the DD fighting on when lesser men (but not dwarves, of course) would fall... it's just too cool. Plus the prereqs are already fulfilled (once you take iron will).

-The Souljourner

 

[Pax]

A Clr10(Moradin) / DwD1 can also Divine Power / Righteous might to become temporarily a powerhouse with Reach (and AFAIK the Stance Str bonus stacks with Divine Power and Righteous Might...)

Add in a Ring of Growth, and a Spiked Chain. Reach upon Reach upon Reach ... heh.

 

[The Souljourner]

What book is Ring of Growth from?

 

[Endur]

Remain Conscious is interesting, but probably a wasted feat. My DD has only been knocked into negative hit points once (and I've played him since 1st level).

I got Lightning Reflexes for the Pit Traps. As a DD, you will probably be in front of the party, and since you are unlikely to be able to spot the Pit Trap (low search skill) other than by stepping on it, I wanted a chance to avoid falling into it. It sucks to be a dwarf in a pit trap, especially if there is 5' of water at the bottom of the pit trap. You have a lot further to climb than one of those tall barbarians.

I probably wouldn't take blind-fighting, unless Drow are a major enemy. Your darkvision means that the blind-fighting is only going to be useful against magical darkness or re-rolling concealment misses.

Iron Will is an interesting thought, but I've found that most GMs toss the will save spells against the non-dwarves in the party, just assuming that I'm going to make the saving throw.

Tom

I plan on taking Iron Will, because there are a ton of Will based "instant kill" spells, like hold person and confusion. Reflex saves are nice to have, but reflex is almost entirely for avoiding damage, and pure damage is one thing this type of character doesn't need to worry too much about.

Other feats I'll be taking - blind fight, close quarters combat, and maybe Remain Conscious. The actual effect isn't that great, but the image of the DD fighting on when lesser men (but not dwarves, of course) would fall... it's just too cool. Plus the prereqs are already fulfilled (once you take iron will).

-The Souljourner

 

[shilsen]

What book is Ring of Growth from?

Savage Species, pg. 54.

Allows the user to increase size to the next category, usable 1/day for up to 9 minutes. Gains enlargement bonus of +4 to Str, -2 to Dex, and -1 to hit & AC. Costs 18,000 gp.

 

[Cheiromancer]

My build for a devoted dwarven defender is based on a 28 point buy:

Str 14, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 11

Level 1: Ranger - spend 4 skill points each in Spot, Search and Knowledge Religion (CC) - Toughness
Level 2: Fighter - Weapon Focus
Level 3: Fighter - Dodge - Endurance
Level 4: Paladin - 3 ranks of Knowledge Religion
Level 5: Paladin - 3 ranks of Knowledge Religion
Level 6: Templar - Alertness
Level 7: Templar
Level 8: Dwarven Defender - 3 ranks of Sense Motive
Level 9: Dwarven Defender - 1 rank of Sense Motive
Level 10: Devoted Defender
Level 11: Devoted Defender
Level 12+: Dwarven Defender

A wisdom of 12 allows a few spells to be earned from the Templar classes. A second level of Templar gives another Smite Evil, and a second spell.

I'd recommend bumping Charisma at level 4, to take advantage of Divine Grace and Lay on Hands.

At level 8 raise Dexterity to 14, and take Combat reflexes at level 9. Or raise another stat, and take Close Quarters Fighting instead.